. >> giffords' husband, mark kelly, argued for universal background checks to keep criminals from getting guns. >> she would not have been sitting here today if we had stronger back ground checks. >> reporter: today's hearing on how to prevent gun vileants is in response to the shooting massacre in newtown, connecticut last month. president obama has called for tougher laws, including an assault weapons ban. >> law-abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deraced criminals, nor do we believe that government should dictate what we can lawfully own and use to protect our families. >> reporter: the national rifle association intensely opposes any -- >> -- >> i fail to see how passing additional laws is going to make american any safer. >> it's clear common ground may be hard to find. since the newtown shooting, lawmakers have introduced no less than eight gun control bills. right now the best chance for new legislation appears to be in the area the background checks and mental health care. >> thanks, danielle. >>> a rather unusual circumstance in a courtroom in cul